As a passionate cricket enthusiast running IPL Star, your go-to niche blog for the latest cricket news updates, I’m thrilled to bring you this in-depth coverage of the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I from the Afghanistan tour of UAE 2026. This match, played on January 22, 2026, at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium, was a rollercoaster of emotions. Afghanistan, aiming for a dominant 3-0 series whitewash, stumbled in a chase they seemed to control, thanks to a stunning hat-trick by West Indies’ Shamar Springer. The visitors clinched a consolation 15-run win, making the final series score 2-1 in Afghanistan’s favor.
This Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I wasn’t just another game; it was a crucial World Cup prep showdown. Both teams are gearing up for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and this series highlighted strengths and weaknesses. From Rashid Khan’s spin wizardry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggressive batting, every moment packed a punch. Let’s break it down step by step, starting with the build-up and moving into the nitty-gritty of the action.
Series Context: Afghanistan’s Dominance Meets West Indies’ Resilience in UAE 2026
Before diving into the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I specifics, let’s set the stage. The Afghanistan tour of UAE 2026 featured a three-match T20I series, serving as vital preparation for the upcoming global tournament. Afghanistan entered as favorites, having won the first two games convincingly. In the opener, they posted a mammoth total and bowled out West Indies cheaply. The second match saw similar dominance, with Afghanistan’s spinners choking the middle order.
West Indies, missing stars like Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell due to commitments elsewhere, relied on a mix of experience and youth. Stand-in captain Brandon King led a squad eager to bounce back. The series was hosted in the UAE to simulate subcontinental conditions, similar to what teams will face in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Dubai’s pitch, known for its balance between bat and ball, often favors spinners in the middle overs – a factor that played out vividly in this decider.
Historically, Afghanistan holds a strong record against West Indies in T20Is, winning six of the last seven encounters before this match. This streak ended here, snapping West Indies’ six-match losing run at Dubai International Stadium. For cricket fans, this Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I was a testament to T20’s unpredictability, where one over can flip the script.
Toss and Team News: Afghanistan Opts to Chase in Crucial UAE 2026 Clash
The toss in the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I went Afghanistan’s way, with captain Rashid Khan choosing to bowl first. “We wanted to test our chasing skills ahead of the World Cup,” Rashid later explained in his post-match comments. This decision aligned with their strategy to simulate pressure scenarios, as chasing 150-160 in subcontinental conditions is common in big tournaments.
West Indies made changes: Shamar Springer replaced Shamar Joseph, and Johnson Charles opened in place of injured Evin Lewis. Afghanistan stuck with their winning combination, featuring openers Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, followed by a solid middle order including Mohammad Nabi and Darwish Rasooli – the series’ standout performer.
The pitch report indicated a slightly two-paced surface, with some grip for spinners. Early moisture might help seamers, but dew could play a role later. Umpires Ahmad Shah Pakteen and Izatullah Safi officiated, with Akbar Ali as third umpire and Hamimullah Hamid as referee.
West Indies Innings: King’s Anchor and Late Surge Set 152 Target in Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I
West Indies started steadily in the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I, reaching 43/1 in the powerplay. Brandon King looked in fine touch, smashing two sixes and a four to race to 21 off 12 balls. Johnson Charles, however, struggled, falling for 17 off 17 to Shahidullah Kamal’s left-arm spin.
The middle overs saw Afghanistan’s spinners dominate. Rashid Khan, bowling a boundary-less spell, conceded just 13 runs in four overs while picking two wickets. He dismissed King (47 off 35) and Shimron Hetmyer (13 off 6) in the 16th over, sending King off with a fiery stare. Hetmyer, bowled around his legs, looked stunned.
At 111/6 after 17 overs, West Indies seemed headed for a sub-par total. But Matthew Forde (27 off 11, with two fours and two sixes) and Shamar Springer (16* off 9, three fours) unleashed a late assault. They plundered 40 runs in the last three overs, pushing the score to 151/7. Ziaur Rahman Sharifi (2-45) and Abdullah Ahmadzai (2-30) were the pick of the pacers, but Afghanistan leaked runs in the death – a concern Rashid highlighted post-match.
Here’s the detailed West Indies batting scorecard in tabular form for easy reference:
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon King (c) | c Ziaur Rahman Sharifi b Rashid Khan | 47 | 35 | 2 | 3 | 134.29 |
| Johnson Charles (wk) | b Shahidullah Kamal | 17 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 100.00 |
| Keacy Carty | c Ziaur Rahman Sharifi b Abdullah Ahmadzai | 10 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 52.63 |
| Justin Greaves | c Ziaur Rahman Sharifi b Abdullah Ahmadzai | 12 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 80.00 |
| Shimron Hetmyer | b Rashid Khan | 13 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 216.67 |
| Quentin Sampson | c Sediqullah Atal b Ziaur Rahman Sharifi | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 42.86 |
| Matthew Forde | c Gulbadin Naib b Ziaur Rahman Sharifi | 27 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 245.45 |
| Shamar Springer | not out | 16 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 177.78 |
| Gudakesh Motie | not out | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
Extras: 4 (lb 2, w 1, nb 1)
Total: 151/7 in 20 overs (RR: 7.55)
Did not bat: Khary Pierre, Ramon Simmonds
Afghanistan’s bowling figures showcased their spin strength:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | 4 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 5.50 |
| Ziaur Rahman Sharifi | 4 | 0 | 45 | 2 | 11.25 |
| Shahidullah Kamal | 1 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 13.00 |
| Rashid Khan (c) | 4 | 0 | 13 | 2 | 3.25 |
| Abdullah Ahmadzai | 4 | 0 | 30 | 2 | 7.50 |
| Mohammad Nabi | 2 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 9.00 |
| Gulbadin Naib | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 8.00 |
Fall of wickets provided key insights into the innings flow:
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batsman Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 | 4.1 | Johnson Charles |
| 2 | 62 | 9.3 | Keacy Carty |
| 3 | 85 | 13.3 | Justin Greaves |
| 4 | 102 | 15.1 | Brandon King |
| 5 | 103 | 15.5 | Shimron Hetmyer |
| 6 | 122 | 17.4 | Quentin Sampson |
| 7 | 147 | 19.4 | Matthew Forde |
Partnerships highlighted the late recovery:
| Partnership Batsmen | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| King & Charles | 27 | 25 |
| King & Carty | 35 | 32 |
| King & Greaves | 23 | 24 |
| King & Hetmyer | 17 | 10 |
| Hetmyer & Sampson | 1 | 4 |
| Sampson & Forde | 19 | 11 |
| Forde & Springer | 25 | 12 |
| Springer & Motie | 4 | 2 |
The powerplay yielded 43 runs for 1 wicket, setting a foundation that the middle order couldn’t fully capitalize on until the end.
Afghanistan Innings Recap: Gurbaz’s Heroics Undone by Springer’s Hat-Trick in UAE 2026 Thriller
Chasing 152 in the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I, Afghanistan started confidently. The powerplay brought 45/0, with Gurbaz and Zadran playing cautiously. Gurbaz then accelerated, clattering Justin Greaves for three fours in the seventh over. The pair added 72 for the first wicket before Zadran (28 off 27) fell to Forde.
Gurbaz reached his fifty off 44 balls, mixing aggression with smart placement. At 94/1 after 14 overs, Afghanistan needed 58 off 36 with nine wickets in hand – victory seemed inevitable. But Sediqullah Atal (7 off 11) nicked off to Springer, sparking the collapse.
A scary moment followed: Gurbaz, backing up, was hit on the face by a throw from the fielder. His helmet dislodged, and he needed medical attention but bravely continued. Darwish Rasooli (4 off 6) was lbw to Khary Pierre, and Nabi (6 off 4) skied one to Simmonds.
With 25 needed off 12, Springer’s 19th over turned the game. He dismissed Gurbaz (71 off 58, caught at midwicket), Rashid (0, caught at deep third), and Shahidullah (0, yorked) for a hat-trick – the third by a West Indian in T20Is. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (4 off 3) was run out, leaving Afghanistan at 136/8.
Simmonds defended 20 in the last over with yorkers. Afghanistan’s chase, dominant for 14 overs, crumbled in the death – a pattern Rashid vowed to fix before the World Cup.
Afghanistan’s batting scorecard:
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) | c Forde b Springer | 71 | 58 | 8 | 1 | 122.41 |
| Ibrahim Zadran | c Springer b Forde | 28 | 27 | 4 | 0 | 103.70 |
| Sediqullah Atal | c Charles b Springer | 7 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 63.64 |
| Darwish Rasooli | lbw b Pierre | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Mohammad Nabi | c Springer b Simmonds | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 150.00 |
| Gulbadin Naib | not out | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 77.78 |
| Rashid Khan (c) | c Pierre b Springer | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Shahidullah Kamal | b Springer | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | run out (Hetmyer/Simmonds) | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 133.33 |
| Abdullah Ahmadzai | not out | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
Extras: 9 (lb 2, w 7)
Total: 136/8 in 20 overs (RR: 6.80)
Did not bat: Ziaur Rahman Sharifi
West Indies bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Forde | 3 | 0 | 28 | 1 | 9.33 |
| Khary Pierre | 4 | 0 | 29 | 1 | 7.25 |
| Ramon Simmonds | 4 | 0 | 26 | 1 | 6.50 |
| Shamar Springer | 4 | 0 | 20 | 4 | 5.00 |
| Justin Greaves | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14.00 |
| Gudakesh Motie | 4 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 4.25 |
Fall of wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batsman Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72 | 10.1 | Ibrahim Zadran |
| 2 | 94 | 14.1 | Sediqullah Atal |
| 3 | 107 | 15.6 | Darwish Rasooli |
| 4 | 114 | 16.5 | Mohammad Nabi |
| 5 | 127 | 18.1 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| 6 | 127 | 18.2 | Rashid Khan |
| 7 | 127 | 18.3 | Shahidullah Kamal |
| 8 | 133 | 19.2 | Mujeeb Ur Rahman |
Partnerships:
| Partnership Batsmen | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Gurbaz & Zadran | 72 | 61 |
| Gurbaz & Atal | 22 | 24 |
| Gurbaz & Rasooli | 13 | 11 |
| Gurbaz & Nabi | 7 | 5 |
| Gurbaz & Naib | 13 | 8 |
| Naib & Rashid | 0 | 1 |
| Naib & Shahidullah | 0 | 1 |
| Naib & Mujeeb | 6 | 5 |
| Naib & Ahmadzai | 3 | 4 |
The powerplay saw 45 runs without loss, but the final overs yielded just 29/5.
Key Highlights from Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I: Moments That Defined the Match
Every T20 match has its flashpoints, and this Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I was no exception. Here’s a breakdown of the standout moments:
- Rashid’s Double Strike: In the 16th over, Rashid removed King and Hetmyer, shifting momentum. His spell (2-13) moved him to 696 T20 wickets – four shy of becoming the first to 700.
- Forde-Springer Blitz: The duo’s 25-run partnership in 12 balls turned 111/6 into 151/7. Forde’s two sixes off Sharifi were brutal.
- Gurbaz’s Fifty and Scare: Gurbaz’s 71 included eight fours and a six. But the throw hitting his face caused a delay, raising concerns about player safety in fast-paced games.
- Springer’s Hat-Trick: The 19th over: Gurbaz caught by Forde on the boundary, Rashid’s slash caught by Pierre tumbling, Shahidullah yorked. Springer celebrated with his chest roll, becoming the third West Indian (after Holder and Shepherd) to achieve this feat.
- Fielding Brilliance: West Indies, who dropped eight catches in the series, nailed crucial ones in the end. Pierre’s catch for Rashid was highlight-reel stuff.
For video highlights, check out this YouTube clip from the Afghanistan Cricket Board: Full Highlights | Afghanistan vs West Indies 2026 | 3rd T20I. Also, ESPN’s video recap captures the drama perfectly.
In-Depth Analysis: What Went Right and Wrong in Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I
Analyzing the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I reveals tactical nuances. West Indies’ batting was topsy-turvy: strong start, middle-over squeeze (no boundaries from overs 9-14), then a late charge. Their death-overs execution (40 runs in last three) was the difference, exposing Afghanistan’s weakness in that phase – they conceded 50+ in death across the series.
Afghanistan’s chase was a tale of two halves. The opening stand of 72 gave control, but losing 7 wickets for 42 runs post-14 overs was catastrophic. Gurbaz’s 71 was lone warrior stuff; the middle order (Atal, Rasooli, Nabi) contributed just 17 runs combined. Springer’s variations – pace changes and lengths – exploited this.
Bowling-wise, Rashid’s economy (3.25) was masterful, but pacers like Sharifi (11.25) leaked. For West Indies, Springer’s 4-20 stole the show, backed by Motie’s tidy 4-17.
Scoring breakdown in phases:
| Phase | West Indies (Runs/Wickets) | Afghanistan (Runs/Wickets) |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay (0.1-6) | 43/1 | 45/0 |
| Middle Overs (7-16) | 60/4 | 62/3 |
| Death Overs (17-20) | 48/2 | 29/5 |
Boundaries: West Indies hit 8 fours and 8 sixes; Afghanistan 13 fours and 2 sixes. Dot balls: 42% for WI, 44% for AFG.
Fielding was exceptional for Afghanistan throughout the series, with high catches and sharp run-outs. West Indies improved in this game, holding key chances.
Player ratings: Springer 9/10 (hat-trick hero), Gurbaz 8/10 (valiant knock), Rashid 8/10 (spin control). Rasooli, Player of the Series with consistent middle-order knocks, earned praise for stability.
Player Profiles: Stars Who Shone in Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I UAE 2026
To add depth, let’s profile key performers.
Shamar Springer (Player of the Match): The 28-year-old all-rounder from Barbados made his case for the 2026 T20 World Cup squad. His 16* and 4-20, including the hat-trick, showcased versatility. “It feels great to be the third West Indian with a T20I hat-trick,” he said. Springer’s focus on executing to the longer boundary paid off.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Afghanistan’s explosive opener, Gurbaz’s 71 was his series-high. Known for power-hitting, he adapted to anchor here. His resilience after the face injury earned fan admiration on X, where posts hailed him as a “warrior.”
Rashid Khan: The captain’s leadership and bowling (2-13) were top-notch. Close to 700 T20 wickets, he’s a global icon. Post-match, he emphasized death-overs improvement: “We can’t give 40-50 in the last three.”
Brandon King: Stand-in skipper’s 47 provided stability. “Execution was key today,” he noted, praising Springer’s skills.
Darwish Rasooli (Player of the Series): His middle-order efforts across games earned the award. “I focused on stability,” he said in Pashto.
Fan Reactions and Social Buzz: X Posts on Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I
Social media lit up post-match. On X (formerly Twitter), fans shared excitement. @wiplayers tweeted: “West Indies WIN by 15 runs. Good win boys!” with photos. @Cricktjunoon posted the result with a graphic.
@dawood_ahmad55 highlighted Springer’s hat-trick: “Powers West Indies to win by 15 runs.” Afghan fans expressed disappointment but pride in the series win. One post from @ACBofficials showed warm-ups, building hype.
Read fan takes on Sportstar. Or check Hindustan Times for more reactions.
Venue Spotlight: Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I
Dubai International, with 25,000 capacity, hosted this thriller. Ends: Emirates Road and Dubai Sports City. It favors chases, but spinners thrive. In T20Is, average first innings: 144. West Indies ended a six-loss streak here; Afghanistan’s win streak vs WI snapped.
Stats: Highest team total 211/3 (IND vs SL, 2022). Lowest 55 (ENG vs WI, 2021). This match’s 151 was par.
World Cup Implications: Lessons from Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I for 2026 T20 WC
This series was World Cup dress rehearsal. Afghanistan’s 2-1 win boosts confidence, but chasing woes persist. “This gives us energy,” Rashid said. They head to India next.
West Indies, traveling to South Africa for more T20Is, showed depth. Springer, Forde, Simmonds staked claims. “We have guys returning, making us stronger,” King added.
For the 2026 T20 World Cup, expect Afghanistan’s spin attack to shine in India. West Indies need consistent batting.
Post-Match Reactions: Captains and Players Speak on Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I Outcome
Rashid Khan: “Winning the series is pleasing, but positives in areas we targeted matter more. Death overs need work – we conceded 60 in last four previously.”
Brandon King: “We wanted more runs, but finish was good. Springer showed his skills. Execution won us this.”
Darwish Rasooli: “Effort on middle-order stability paid off. We should’ve chased, but we’ll fill gaps for WC.”
Shamar Springer: “Patient and focused on execution. Batting minimized dots.”
These quotes, sourced from ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz, reflect growth mindsets.
Statistical Deep Dive: Beyond the Scorecard in Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I
Digging deeper, run rates fluctuated. West Indies: 7.16 in powerplay, dipped to 6 in middle, surged to 12 in death. Afghanistan: 7.5 powerplay, 6.2 middle, crashed to 7.25 death.
Economy rates: Rashid’s 3.25 vs Springer’s 5.00. Strike rates: Forde’s 245.45 highest.
Series stats: Afghanistan won 2-1. Rasooli top run-scorer; Mujeeb had a hat-trick in game 2.
Match flow: WI 50 in 7.3 overs, 100 in 14.6. AFG 50 in 6.2, 100 in 14.6. Reviews: One unsuccessful by AFG.
Extras: WI 4, AFG 9. Boundaries contributed 80 runs for WI, 64 for AFG.
Historical Context: Afghanistan vs West Indies Rivalry in T20Is
Afghanistan leads 7-3 in 10 T20Is. This loss ended their six-win streak. In UAE, Afghanistan excels in neutral venues.
Notable past: 2019 series Afghanistan won 2-1. West Indies’ last win vs AFG was 2019.
Expert Opinions: What Analysts Say About Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I
From ESPNcricinfo: “Springer upstaged Rashid, making a World Cup case.” Sportstar noted: “Hat-trick denied sweep.”
Indian Express: “Competitive series ends 2-1.” Analysts praise Afghanistan’s fielding, criticize death bowling.
Wrapping Up: A Thrilling End to Afghanistan vs West Indies Series in UAE 2026
The Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I delivered drama, skill, and lessons. West Indies’ win was epic, powered by Springer’s hat-trick. Afghanistan takes the series but knows areas to polish.
Stay tuned to IPL Star for more cricket updates. Share your thoughts in comments – what was your favorite moment?
FAQs: Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I UAE 2026
- Who won the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I in UAE 2026? West Indies clinched a thrilling 15-run victory in the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I, preventing Afghanistan from completing a 3-0 series whitewash. The final series score was 2-1 in Afghanistan’s favor.
- What was the impact of Shamar Springer’s hat-trick in the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I? Shamar Springer’s sensational hat-trick in the 19th over (dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, and Shahidullah Kamal) turned the match decisively, earning him Player of the Match and powering West Indies’ victory.
- What was the target and result in the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I UAE 2026 match report? West Indies posted 151/7, powered by Brandon King’s 47 and a late surge from Matthew Forde (27) and Shamar Springer (16*). Afghanistan were bowled out for 136/8 while chasing.
- Who top-scored in the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I at Dubai International Cricket Stadium? Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 71 off 58 balls for Afghanistan, anchoring the chase until caught off Springer. For West Indies, captain Brandon King made 47.
- How did Rashid Khan perform in the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I UAE 2026? Rashid Khan delivered a masterful 4-0-13-2, dismissing Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer. His spell restricted West Indies severely in the middle overs.
- What was the final scorecard summary for Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I? West Indies: 151/7 (King 47, Forde 27; Rashid 2-13, Abdullah Ahmadzai 2-30). Afghanistan: 136/8 (Gurbaz 71; Springer 4-20, including hat-trick).
- Why is the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I important for 2026 T20 World Cup preparation? The series served as crucial subcontinental simulation for both teams ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, highlighting Afghanistan’s death-overs concerns and West Indies’ emerging depth.
- Where was the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I played in UAE 2026? The match took place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 22, 2026, a balanced venue known for favoring spinners in the middle overs.
- Who was Player of the Series in the Afghanistan vs West Indies UAE 2026 T20I series? Darwish Rasooli was named Player of the Series for his consistent middle-order contributions that provided stability for Afghanistan.
- How did West Indies end their losing streak in the Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I? West Indies snapped a six-match losing run at Dubai International Stadium through disciplined death bowling, led by Shamar Springer’s 4-20 and a crucial late batting surge.
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